Head of Programmes and Projects

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Job type
Temporary
Location
Blackburn
Working Pattern
Full-time
Specialism
Projects & Change Management
Industry
Education & Training
Pay
£260 - £290 per day

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Head of Programmes and Projects (Interim - Education Projects)

Your new company

You will be joining a respected and ambitious education organisation that is entering a high‑growth phase, with multiple new schools opening across the North West. The trust is implementing a new Projects Strategy and establishing a dedicated Projects Unit to drive delivery, strengthen governance, and ensure consistency across all programmes.

This interim role will play a critical part in leading this new function and ensuring the successful delivery of several priority school openings and trust‑wide strategic projects.

Your new role

As Interim Head of Programme and Projects, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the trust’s entire projects' portfolio. You will:

Lead the delivery of the organisation’s new Projects Strategy.
Oversee the opening of new schools, including free schools and sponsored academies across the North West.
Take responsibility for major corporate and trust‑wide programmes.
Guide and develop the Projects Unit, ensuring high‑quality project governance, reporting and delivery frameworks.
Engage, influence and support senior stakeholders across the trust and external partners.
Balance strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery, stepping in to drive progress where necessary.
Ensure compliance, budget alignment, risk management and operational readiness across all project phases.

You will be supporting high‑profile new school developments including sites across Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire, working closely with the capital, estates, and project teams.

This contract runs until the end of May initially, covering an essential delivery period.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Proven experience leading complex, multi‑site projects — ideally within education or a similarly regulated environment.
Strong strategic capability paired with the ability to roll your sleeves up and drive operational delivery.
Experience leading or contributing to a PMO or project delivery function.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work with senior leaders.
Ability to deliver at a pace, manage competing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
Strong organisational, planning and reporting skills, with a solutions‑focused mindset.
Flexibility to travel across the North West (Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire).
A full UK driving licence.
Ability to work 3 days a week onsite at head office (North West), with 2 days from home.
Education sector experience
Enhanced DBS – We can apply for one if you are successful in the interview

What you'll get in return

The daily rate is £260 - £290 per day and weekly pay.
A dedicated consultant to support with compliance, payments and future opportunities
A pivotal interim leadership opportunity driving high‑impact education projects.
The chance to shape and embed a new Projects Unit and trust‑wide project strategy.
A varied role spanning strategic leadership and hands‑on delivery.
Hybrid working: 3 days onsite / 2 days from home.
37‑hour working week.
The opportunity to directly influence the successful launch of multiple new schools across the region.

What you need to do now

If you’re an experienced Head of Programme and Project with a background in education, and you’re available for an interim assignment immediately until the end of May initially, please submit your CV.

Apply through LinkedIn

Talk to Ragen Burdett, the specialist consultant managing this position

Located in Manchester, 4th Floor, City Tower, Piccadilly PlazaTelephone 01612287799

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